Rockingham To Get SAFER Barriers; Returning To NASCAR?

Rockingham Speedway, which hosted NASCAR series events from 1965 to 2004, will install Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barriers in September, according to ESPN.com. The installation will consist of two phases that will cover all four corners and the backstretch wall in SAFER barriers by the end of the year.

Rockingham hasn’t hosted a NASCAR event since 2004, partly because the track couldn’t attract a crowd large enough to keep its NASCAR date. Since losing its event, officials from the Rock have been informally talking with NASCAR about hosting a Camping World Truck or Nationwide Series race. But, the lack of SAFER barriers has always been an issue.

Once the installation is complete, that will remove what some call the biggest obstacle to the Rock getting a NASCAR event. Coupled with the recent openings on the Nationwide and Truck Series schedule due to the closing of Nashville Superspeedway, this might mean the Rock will return to the NASCAR schedule.

NASCAR officials would not say that they would consider Rockingham for one of the open dates next season. But, they did say that by installing the barriers, they were given more options.

About the Author

Michael J Smith Michael J. Smith is a NASCAR enthusiast and blogger. In addition to founding this website, Michael is a journalist with over a decade of experience writing for prestigious media organizations.